Devin Bush’s three-touchdown performance for Liberty Tech in the Crusaders’ 21-14 win over Henry County on Friday will be remembered for three key plays as he scored all three of his team’s touchdowns.

But the fact he scored his three touchdowns showed his ability to persevere against tough teams and tough defenses.

“He and everybody on this team just had to keep fighting and wait for good things to happen,” said Liberty head coach Steve Hookfin. “If you keep playing hard and wait for an opening, you take advantage and then do what you can to get down the field.”

Bush’s touchdowns came on runs of 84 and 65 yards and a 60-yard punt return early in the fourth quarter.

“I just saw an opening, hit it and tried to get down the field,” Bush said about all three plays. “It felt good to get to the end zone and get this win.

“We worked for this all offseason, and we’ll try to get better from here on.”

Henry County’s defense didn’t allow much all night. Bush and quarterback Corey Newble had to continually challenge the Patriots’ front seven with the help of their line blocking in front of them.

“We knew we’d have to fight for everything we got,” Hookfin said. “That’s just part of playing a good team like Henry County is.”

Hookfin said Bush has become the leader Liberty needs from its senior running back.

“He’s enthusiastic on the sidelines and in the locker room, always getting his teammates ready to do whatever it is they need to do in the game or practice that day,” Hookfin said. “The work he does on the field is only a result of the work he puts in to get on the field.”